Our lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. As of this writing, over 750,000 people in the United States have been infected, with over 40,000 deaths. Here in South Dakota, close to 2,000 people have been infected and 8 people have died. This is a very difficult time and here in South Dakota and it is certain to get worse before it gets better, but it will get better in time.
All of us are learning to function differently, relying more on technology, like Zoom, to get as close as we can to loved ones and to hold company meetings. Here at the theatre we are doing our very best to move our mission forward and to meet the difficult challenges of this time.
As I mentioned last month, our financial position remains positive. We recently were approved for the Paycheck Protection Program. These funds will go toward staff salaries and utility expenses. We have also applied for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and are waiting to hear back to see what we might be eligible for. We are also in the final round of consideration for another grant. In maintaining fiscal prudence, we will continue to hold tight on non-essential spending and look for other creative revenue opportunities. If you are in a position to make a donation, we would certainly appreciate it. Every little bit counts and helps to ensure the community theatre's continued financial strength. Please click here to donate.
The old saying, "the show must go on," still rings true today. Our small but mighty staff is hard at work innovating and if you haven’t already, check out some of our new online programming, SECT Radio Plays, Death of a Jazz Man, The Colony and The People of the Tattoo can all be accessed on our website and through our Facebook page.
As you know, we had to postpone our final show of Season 17, Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I am excited to announce that we will be including Disney's Beauty and the Beast in our upcoming Season 18. The show is now scheduled to open at the Orpheum on April 22nd, 2021. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement of our Season 18 show lineup. Our season will be starting later than normal, due to the pandemic.
On behalf of the Sioux Empire Community Board of Directors and Staff, I want to thank you for your continued support of the arts and of community based, live theatre. Like you, I can’t wait to get back in the Orpheum to enjoy a community theatre production. Hope to see you soon but in the meantime, stay healthy and make the most of things.
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